Picture an American storyteller who breathes life into forgotten women of the past—meet Mary Sharratt! With a knack for historical fiction, Sharratt unearths the voices of remarkable women, blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling. From medieval mystics to Renaissance poets, her novels transport readers to eras where women defied the odds, making history sparkle with newfound relevance.
Now living in Portugal’s enchanting Silver Coast, Sharratt’s journey from Minnesota to global acclaim is as captivating as her books. Her mission? To rewrite women back into history, one unforgettable tale at a time.
The Making of Mary Sharratt
Born on November 13, 1964, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mary Sharratt grew up in a world where imagination thrived. Without the distractions of modern screens, she spun elaborate stories in her backyard, planting the seeds for her future novels. After studying at the University of Minnesota and spending time in Germany and Austria, Sharratt found herself in Innsbruck in 1988, teaching English and penning her debut novel, Summit Avenue, in longhand. This quiet indulgence marked the start of a career dedicated to historical fiction that champions women’s stories.
Mary Sharratt’s Unforgettable Stories
Sharratt’s novels are a tapestry of historical detail and emotional depth, each one spotlighting a woman history nearly forgot. Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen (2012) brings to life the 12th-century mystic and composer, a polymath who defied the Church’s constraints to become a visionary leader. The novel’s lyrical prose and rich historical backdrop earned it the Nautilus Gold Award. In Daughters of the Witching Hill (2010), Sharratt reimagines the Pendle Witches of 1612 as cunning healers, drawing on her 18 years in Lancashire, England, to craft a haunting tale of community and betrayal.
Ecstasy (2018) dives into the tumultuous life of Alma Mahler, a composer forced to sacrifice her art for love, set against the vibrant backdrop of turn-of-the-century Vienna. Meanwhile, Revelations (2021) follows Margery Kempe, the 15th-century mystic and author of the first English autobiography, on her daring pilgrimages. Sharratt’s style—immersive, feminist, and deeply researched—makes the past feel alive, with sensory details like straw bedding or the clang of a medieval bell pulling readers into her worlds.
Her ability to weave myth, history, and human struggle sets her apart. Whether exploring sacred music, herbal medicine, or the perils of defying societal norms, Sharratt’s stories resonate with readers seeking strong, complex heroines.
Why Mary Sharratt Matters
Mary Sharratt’s work does more than entertain—it rewrites history. By centering women like Hildegard von Bingen and Aemilia Bassano Lanier, she challenges the male-dominated narratives that have long shaped our understanding of the past. Her novels inspire readers to question who gets remembered and why, making her a vital voice in historical fiction. Awards like the 2005 WILLA Literary Award and praise from outlets like NPR underscore her impact, while her global perspective—shaped by years in Europe—adds depth to her storytelling.
Sharratt’s commitment to unearthing women’s stories has also sparked conversations about gender, spirituality, and resilience, making her work a beacon for readers and writers alike. Her novels remind us that history is richer when every voice is heard.
- Birth Date: November 13, 1964
- Key Works: Illuminations, Daughters of the Witching Hill, Ecstasy, Revelations
- Awards: 2013 Nautilus Gold Award, 2005 WILLA Literary Award, Minnesota Book Award Finalist
Ready to step into a world where women shape history? Snag Illuminations and dive into Mary Sharratt’s spellbinding historical fiction!